FC Bayern are still on the lookout for a new defensive midfielder. Now a Juventus star has apparently been targeted by the German record champions. Is he the future Bayern coach’s favourite player?
Central midfield has long been considered the biggest construction site in the FC Bayern squad. While Joshua Kimmich’s sporting future depends above all on the plans of the future Bayern coach, one thing already seems certain: Regardless of whether the DFB star extends his contract or not, Bayern bosses are still planning to sign a defensive midfielder.
Bayern interested in Manuel Locatelli
As the Italian portal tuttojuve now reports, Bayern are said to be keeping an eye on Manuel Locatelli of Juventus. The Italian international has made 32 competitive appearances for the Old Lady this season, scoring one goal and providing five assists.
According to transfermarkt.de, Locatelli has a market value of 33 million euros and, according to the report, is considered a possible sales candidate in Turin. The Italian record champions are planning a personnel shake-up in the summer and urgently need transfer income for this.
De Zerbi as a decisive factor?
Before moving to Juve, Locatelli played for three years at league rivals US Sassuolo Calcio. The coach back then was Roberto De Zerbi. According to the latest reports, the Brighton coach is the favourite for the coaching position at FC Bayern. Will the two Italians work together again in Munich?
One thing is clear: De Zerbi developed the now 26-year-old into one of the best midfielders in Italy during his three years at Sassuolo. Locatelli once said of his former patron: „I feel very close to De Zerbi. He changed my life.“
However, according to the report, FC Bayern will have to reckon with a lot of competition from the Premier League in their bid for Locatelli. Apparently, several English clubs are rumoured to be interested in signing the defensive midfielder.
